Introduction
Swiss International Cooperation - Annual Report 2021
Fauna Ibramogy
National Program Officer
SDC, Mozambique
Banu Sjadzali
National Program Officer
SECO, Indonesia
Basic services
Saving lives and strengthening access to basic services
Switzerland's international cooperation is committed to both providing humanitarian aid and to improving living conditions in low-income countries. This includes improving access to basic services such as education, health and finance.
Saving lives and strengthening access to basic services
Economy
How can economic growth become more sustainable?
Switzerland is committed to economic and private sector development in low-income countries. It works with young entrepreneurs to create decent jobs. It also works on innovative financing instruments to mobilise public-private investment for businesses.
How can economic growth become more sustainable?
Peace
Why do we need justice?
The rule of law, respect for human rights and the inclusion of women and disadvantaged people are among the most important prerequisites for peace and long-term development. Switzerland supports local civil society and authorities in the fields of advocacy, monitoring state activities and public accountability.
Why do we need justice?
Environment
Protecting the climate and natural resources sustainably
The climate is heating up and the effects such as droughts and floods are already causing great suffering. At the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in 2021, all countries agreed on how to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Switzerland is particularly committed in areas such as food, production, consumption, energy, health, cities and financial systems.
Protecting the climate and natural resources sustainably
COVID-19
What is the impact of COVID-19 on the world's lowest-income countries?
The COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the biggest problems of our time. According to World Bank figures, more than 97 million people fell below the poverty line in the first year of the pandemic alone. Switzerland is committed to mitigating these effects and strengthening existing structures through its international cooperation.
What is the impact of COVID-19 on the world's lowest-income countries?
Statistics
Statistics 2021
International cooperation activities by the SDC and the SECO constitute the major part of Swiss Official Development Assistance (ODA), which also includes contributions from other federal offices as well as activities supported by cantons and municipalities.
Earthquake in Haiti: a response that combines humanitarian aid with development aid
On 14 August, an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale shook Haiti. The Sud department, located about 100 km west of the capital Port-au-Prince, was hit particularly hard. The disaster cost over 2,000 people their lives and injured more than 12,000. The earthquake destroyed and damaged over 137,000 homes and numerous infrastructures. Farmers also lost livestock and crops due to landslides. The authorities estimated the costs of rebuilding the country at USD 2 billion.
Switzerland was active in Haiti before the quake. Therefore, it could immediately contribute experts and material to support the Haitian civilian protection services. With the help of a local team, Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) water and sanitation experts installed ten drinking water tanks, each supplying 10,000 people. Tankers took turns filling the tanks.
In collaboration with the Haitian authorities, local engineers and UN specialists, SHA experts and structural engineers assessed the damage. They inspected schools, churches and local government premises to assess whether the buildings were in danger of collapsing. A cell was set up to continue making these assessments in the weeks and months following the earthquake.
In total, Switzerland allocated more than CHF 4 million to respond to the needs arising due to the earthquake; CHF 3 million of this amount came from the reprogramming of ongoing SDC activities. Switzerland also donated CHF 500,000 to the appeals launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and by the UN.
Haiti is a priority country for the SDC, which has continued its assistance beyond the emergency response. Good relations with the local authorities and organisations have allowed the SDC to quickly put in place medium- and long-term support measures. Switzerland's extensive experience working with local governance greatly facilitated collaboration with local communities and institutions during the rehabilitation phase.
Switzerland has adapted several of its development cooperation programmes. For example, it has been supporting the repair of drinking water infrastructure to ensure more sustainable access to this resource.
After Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti in 2016, Switzerland facilitated the construction of 500 homes using local technologies. All these homes withstood the earthquake of 14 August. The four community shelters built during this period provided shelter for 1,000 people. Building on this experience and working with local authorities, Switzerland is helping to spread these earthquake-resistant construction methods on a large scale.
The Dipilto River in Nicaragua: preventing water-related conflicts
Due to climate change, erosion, and soil pollution, the amount of water in the Dipilto River basin has been steadily decreasing and its quality has been deteriorating, making it more difficult to supply people with this resource and creating conflicts.
Since 2016, Switzerland has been supporting a project that aims to promote sustainable resource management of the water in the catchment area, taking a conflict resolution and prevention approach.
The project is based on a community-focused management structure that integrates communities, public actors (national institutions, local authorities) and private actors (owners of the sources, producers' cooperatives, etc.).
The project enabled basin and micro-basin committees to be set up for the implementation of a management plan. Water source owners and rural communities have signed 24 agreements within the framework of spaces for dialogue promoting peace and conflict prevention. The communities have committed themselves to taking care of the sources (reforestation, fencing to avoid contamination by animals, etc.) and the owners have agreed to ensure the communities' access to the sources.
Having obtained its legal status, the basin committee can now also manage the resources autonomously. "We are the first basin committee in Nicaragua to have a status as a legal entity; we earned it through hard work," says the board's chairwoman. The project has also increased the participation of women in the decision-making bodies of the committees.
The national authorities have incorporated the lessons learned from Dipilto into the country's water resources management plan.
The 2018 political crisis, the economic and social fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of climate change have increased poverty in Nicaragua. In its work there, Switzerland is committed in particular to promoting good governance and respect for human rights, as well as inclusive economic development.
Dipilto project implementation partners:
GOPA Worldwide Consultants website
GIZ website: German Agency for International Cooperation
CCAD website (sp): Comision Centroamericana de Ambiente y Desarrollo (Central American Commission for Environment and Development)
For further information:
SDC website: Central America (Nicaragua, Honduras)
Remittances: a lifeline during crises
Queuing for hours at money transfer offices and paying high charges were a reality for more than 280 million migrants across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. And many families depend on the remittances migrants send home. What can be done about this?
The majority of migrants from countries in the Global South migrate to other southern countries, for example from Southeast Asia to the Middle East. They send home around CHF 650 billion in remittances every year. Most remittances go to low and middle-income countries.
Families spend the money on food or education and healthcare for children. Remittances also have an important effect in migrants' home countries, contributing to economic stability and sustainable development.
In May 2020, Switzerland and the UK called on governments and financial service providers to address the precarious situation of migrants and their families during the pandemic. They appealed to countries to improve access to money transfer services for migrants, for example by providing digital payment options or reducing charges on a temporary basis. 31 countries have now responded to the appeal.
Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, Switzerland is committed to facilitating secure, fast remittances and improving access, and promoting the development of digital financial services through the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF). For example, new services allowing migrants to transfer funds home through a mobile phone could be provided.
Total migrant remittances are more than three times the size of official development assistance worldwide. At the start of the crisis, there were fears that remittances would decline by 20%. Instead, they have proven to be more resilient than expected, as they ultimately declined by just 1.6% in 2020. In 2021, they even increased by 7.3% thanks in part to international efforts.
Improvement of the local self-governance System in Armenia
Over the past decades, Armenia had 915 municipalities of greatly varying population size. The municipal landscape was highly fragmented, and many municipalities were too small to fulfil their functions effectively. This posed a major obstacle to local economic development.
In 2014, the Armenian Government launched a process of consolidation of communities into larger municipalities to overcome this problem. Since 2015, Switzerland has been supporting these efforts through the project Improvement of the Local Self Governance System in Armenia.
The project supports partner municipalities with technical assistance as well provides access to direct capital investment to promote sustainable development and create an investment-friendly environment.
As part of this reform, Armenia adopted a new Electoral Code. Mayors in municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants are now elected on a proportional basis and the political participation of women is strengthened with introduction of 30% quota. This will increase competition in local elections and enable broader political participation.
Through the establishment of Citizen Offices (CO), the project enabled municipalities to deliver modernized, transparent and efficient administrative services to the local population.
By the end of 2021, the Territorial and Administrative Reform of Armenia TARA has been completed, bringing down the number of municipalities from 915 to 79, thus creating favorable framework conditions for the planned decentralization of powers and fiscal competences towards local level.
Swiss official development assistance (ODA)
Switzerland in international comparison ODA 2021
Official development assistance (ODA) from member countries of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) totalled USD 178.9 billion in 2021. Switzerland takes the 8th position in the international ranking comparing the ODA/GNI ratio of all DAC member countries.
In terms of financial volume, the largest donors are the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France. Switzerland take the 11th place in absolute numbers.
In terms of financial volume, the largest donors are the United States, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and France. Switzerland take the 11th place in absolute numbers.
Composition and evolution of multilateral ODA of Switzerland from 2004 to 2021
Multilateral ODA includes core contributions from SDC and other federal agencies to international development institutions. International financial institutions (IFIs), of which the International Development Association (IDA), were the main beneficiaries of Switzerland's multilateral ODA, followed by United Nations agencies and finally other international organisations.
During the last fitfeen years, Switzerland's share of multilateral ODA remained relatively stable, between 20% and 25% of total ODA.
Contributions to international non-governmental organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are considered bilateral ODA.
During the last fitfeen years, Switzerland's share of multilateral ODA remained relatively stable, between 20% and 25% of total ODA.
Contributions to international non-governmental organisations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), are considered bilateral ODA.
Composition and evolution of Swiss ODA
SDC and SECO international cooperation accounts for almost 80% of total ODA. Some costs related to the reception of asylum seekers in Switzerland also fall under ODA, accounting for 8% to 21% depending on the year. The remainder includes other contributions from the federal government, including bilateral debt relief measures, as well as from the cantons and communes.
The increase in international cooperation funds up to 2015 made it possible to meet the 0.5% ODA/GNI target set by Parliament that year. After 2016, ODA decreased due to lower asylum costs and cost-saving measures for international cooperation funds. Based on the additional resources for the COVID-19 pandemic and Afghanistan, ODA has increased since 2020. In 2021, it accounted for 0.51% of GNI.
The increase in international cooperation funds up to 2015 made it possible to meet the 0.5% ODA/GNI target set by Parliament that year. After 2016, ODA decreased due to lower asylum costs and cost-saving measures for international cooperation funds. Based on the additional resources for the COVID-19 pandemic and Afghanistan, ODA has increased since 2020. In 2021, it accounted for 0.51% of GNI.
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Europe, North Africa and the Middle East
Subsaharian Africa
Asia
Latin America
Europe, North Africa and the Middle East
Swiss cooperation with Eastern Europe supports the Western Balkans and countries of the former Soviet Union in their transition to a social market economy and democracy.
In North Africa, projects focus on democratic transition and human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development and employment, and migration and protection.
In the Middle East, SDC is working to provide protection and basic services for refugees and others in need, and to ensure sustainable water management.
In North Africa, projects focus on democratic transition and human rights, sustainable and inclusive economic development and employment, and migration and protection.
In the Middle East, SDC is working to provide protection and basic services for refugees and others in need, and to ensure sustainable water management.
Subsaharian Africa
Switzerland's international cooperation concentrates more than a third of its resources on sub-Saharan Africa.
The focus of development cooperation is on the access of poor people to basic social services (health, education), infrastructure (water), employment and income, and sustainable growth.
The Humanitarian Aid department implements programmes in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Central Africa and Southern Africa. It is active in various areas such as strengthening resilience to the effects of drought, protecting civilians in armed conflicts, food security, access to water and sanitation.
The focus of development cooperation is on the access of poor people to basic social services (health, education), infrastructure (water), employment and income, and sustainable growth.
The Humanitarian Aid department implements programmes in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, Central Africa and Southern Africa. It is active in various areas such as strengthening resilience to the effects of drought, protecting civilians in armed conflicts, food security, access to water and sanitation.
Asia
Through its transition aid to countries in Central Asia, Switzerland supports regional and national water ressources managment, private sector development, as well as reforms in the public sector and the health sector.
Switzerland's international cooperation in East and South Asia focuses on countries and regions with persistently high multidimensional poverty rates, for example in terms of income, lack of security, limited access to services, chronic malnutrition, vulnerability to ecological and economic shocks, and social and ethnic discrimination of large population groups.
Switzerland's international cooperation in East and South Asia focuses on countries and regions with persistently high multidimensional poverty rates, for example in terms of income, lack of security, limited access to services, chronic malnutrition, vulnerability to ecological and economic shocks, and social and ethnic discrimination of large population groups.
Latin America
The SDC's activities in Central America focus on good governance, respect for human rights, inclusive economic development, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. After 40 years of fruitful international cooperation work, Swiss bilateral cooperation is planning to withdraw from the region in 2024. Swiss Humanitarian Aid will however continue to operate in Central America. Until then, Switzerland is working to consolidate the gains that have been achieved and withdraw from the region in a responsible and considered manner.
In Peru, SECO’s main areas of support are the development of economic institutions, private sector competitiveness and access to basic public services. In Columbia, where certain areas continue to be heavily impacted by the presence of organized armed groups and organized crime, SECO is working to create better economic prospects, thereby also contributing to lasting peace.
In Peru, SECO’s main areas of support are the development of economic institutions, private sector competitiveness and access to basic public services. In Columbia, where certain areas continue to be heavily impacted by the presence of organized armed groups and organized crime, SECO is working to create better economic prospects, thereby also contributing to lasting peace.
Bilateral expenditure by region
The SDC mainly focuses on the lowest income countries. In 2021, more than one third of bilateral spending was for sub-Saharan Africa.
SECO is more active in middle-income countries. Cooperation in Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East accounted for one-third of SECO's bilateral expenditure in 2021. Asia accounted for almost another third of the total.
SECO is more active in middle-income countries. Cooperation in Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East accounted for one-third of SECO's bilateral expenditure in 2021. Asia accounted for almost another third of the total.
Bilateral expenditures by theme and objective
SDC expenditure by sector
SDC programmes and projects are based on the needs of its partner countries and tailored to match the given context. The SDC's humanitarian aid work is a reflection of Switzerland's solidarity towards people in need.
SECO expenditure by sector
SECO's economic and trade policy measures contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.
SDC expenditure by continent and sector
The SDC mainly focuses on the lowest income countries. More than half of the funds are allocated to Africa and the Middle East, and just over a quarter to Asia.
SECO expenditure by continent and sector
SECO is active in middle-income countries and helps with their economic transition. Africa and the Middle East account for about one third of total expenditure.
Climate
The climate crisis requires mitigation measures to reduce its effects and adaptation measures to limit its impact on people. Climate is a cross-cutting theme addressed by the international cooperation projects and programmes.
Governance
Good governance is a cross-cutting theme addressed by the international cooperation projects and programmes. Good governance includes competent management of public services, democratisation, the rule of law, combating corruption and promoting human rights. In economic terms, this also extends to such principles as transparency, accountability, non-discrimination, efficiency and participation.
Gender
Gender is a cross-cutting theme addressed by the international cooperation projects and programmes. Gender equality is factored into all projects, a significant number of which also include specific measures to reduce gender inequalities.
Distribution and evolution of SDC expenditure
Up until 2015, SDC resources increased steadily so as to reach the parliamentary target of 0.5% gross national income (GNI) for Swiss official development assistance (ODA).
Between 2016 and 2018, international cooperation funds were affected by savings measures.
The increase in Swiss ODA in 2020 and 2021 is linked to additional funds approved by Parliament in response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and to support international efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Between 2016 and 2018, international cooperation funds were affected by savings measures.
The increase in Swiss ODA in 2020 and 2021 is linked to additional funds approved by Parliament in response to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and to support international efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Distribution and evolution of SECO expenditure
Budgetary resources allocated to SECO increased after 2011, in line with Switzerland's target of reaching an ODA/GNI ratio of 0.5% by 2015.
Between 2016 and 2018, its resources were reduced as a result of the federal government's cost-cutting measures.
Between 2016 and 2018, its resources were reduced as a result of the federal government's cost-cutting measures.
Switzerland responds to humanitarian emergency in Afghanistan
When the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on 15 August 2021, an already dire humanitarian situation turned for the worse. Even before the takeover, 18 million Afghans were in need of humanitarian aid, due to the country suffering from decades of conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring droughts. This number has increased to 24.4 million, which accounts for more than half the population.
The suspension of development assistance, which previously financed a significant part of public services, and the sanctions imposed on the Taliban have caused an economic breakdown and paralysed the banking system.
All members of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Kabul, including local colleagues and their families, were evacuated to Switzerland immediately after the takeover.
Since then, the SDC has been supporting the humanitarian response and coordination efforts from Switzerland. It has pledged an additional CHF 33 million to its partners in Afghanistan for 2021.
(Picture © AKDN / Sandra Calligaro)
Since then, the SDC has been supporting the humanitarian response and coordination efforts from Switzerland. It has pledged an additional CHF 33 million to its partners in Afghanistan for 2021.
(Picture © AKDN / Sandra Calligaro)
Having assisted conflict-affected Afghans for 30 years, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is one of the most important partners. Switzerland has increased its support to the ICRC with CHF 5 million of the extra funds. They aim to assist the ICRC in protecting civilians, boosting health services, restoring family links, monitoring hostilities and improving water and sanitation. Due to their long-standing commitment in Afghanistan, ICRC workers are still operating on the ground to implement their projects.
(Picture © ICRC)
(Picture © ICRC)
Another close partner of Switzerland is the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), which has been active in Afghanistan since 1996. After the events in August 2021, the AKF launched an emergency appeal to address urgent humanitarian needs and to strengthen resilience and livelihood in mountainous areas. Switzerland contributed CHF 3.7 million, which is invested in covering the immediate needs of the most vulnerable people in remote areas. Working together with communities, the AKF focuses on food security, emergency livelihoods, health and education.
(Picture © AKDN / Sayed Habib Bidel)
Diversity and sustainability from field to plate
Although enough food is produced to feed the global population, almost 811 million people still suffer from malnutrition. After steadily declining for many years, global hunger is on the rise again, with rural communities and smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries particularly affected. Yet they are the ones producing 80% of the world's food. What has gone wrong?
The world's agricultural and food systems are not working properly – a problem compounded by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN Food Systems Summit 2021 called for the transformation of food systems in order to address this issue. In the run-up to the event, hundreds of thousands of people attended meetings around the world, with 108 countries putting forward their assessments and solutions.
Switzerland also organised separate discussions through its Agriculture and Food Security Network in which some 290 people from 69 countries participated. The discussions covered sustainable food production, access to healthy and affordable food for all, and how to improve the livelihoods of people in rural areas.
The UN Food Systems Summit, held in September 2021, clearly showed that food production and consumption must become more sustainable – for people, animals, plants and the planet. One of Switzerland's focal points is agroecology, i.e. the development of more environmentally friendly production techniques. Smallholder farmers need access to land, water, seeds, finance and education in order to minimise the impact of food production on the environment, promote biodiversity and curb climate change.
The 2021 NICE Project aims to provide long-term access to nutritious, locally produced, organic food in six cities in Rwanda, Kenya and Bangladesh. Switzerland and its partners also aim to minimise food waste and reduce pressure on natural resources.
Other new projects are focusing primarily on diversity. Switzerland is committed to ensuring that underrepresented groups, including women and young people, have a say on the types of food that should be produced and consumed in their countries. There is also a need to increase biodiversity by cultivating different types of crops. Ultimately, this will also create greater diversity on our plates.
Integrated urban development in Tunisia
Sousse is the third largest city in Tunisia. It is the centre of a conurbation with more than half a million inhabitants. Sousse suffers from uncontrolled urbanisation and has an inefficient power grid, with energy coming mainly from non-renewable sources. In addition, the city is prone to flooding.
These problems diminish the residents' quality of life and the city's economic allure. Switzerland's integrated urban development programme for Sousse provides funding and technical support to help the city administration plan and finance the development of the greater Sousse area in the long term. This will improve economic, ecological and social conditions. For example, the tourist areas – some of them run-down – are also to be revitalised.
The programme promotes non-motorised, public mobility that favours pedestrians and cyclists and aims to provide access to important public services in the metropolitan area in less than half an hour. Other important areas include renewable energy and energy efficiency, and protection from natural disasters.
During the first phase, from 2015 to 2021, the city developed a joint vision together with civil society. It then took stock of public services and existing challenges. Finally, urban development plans were drawn up. In the area of energy, they were based on the Swiss 'Energy City' label.
Noureddine Daga
Head of the Energy Department Sousse
The plans were discussed and further developed in workshops with the authorities as well as social and economic actors, higher education institutions, and city residents.
During the long planning phase, the first tangible results were realised, demonstrating to the community that the programme was delivering added value. For example, neglected public parks were renovated, street lighting was improved and measures were taken to reduce traffic congestion. During the second programme phase from 2022 to 2026, the main projects will be implemented.
Social and environmental impact investing
SECO and the SDC, together with private partners, launched the Sustainable Development Goal Impact Finance Initiative in 2021. This initiative aims to raise CHF 100 million from public and philanthropic actors by 2030. These funds should then attract up to CHF 1 billion of private capital to finance work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries.
"Sustainable impact investing in developing countries is an integral goal of Switzerland's economic development cooperation." State Secretary and SECO Director Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch launched the initiative on 1 December 2021 at the Building Bridges event in Geneva.
Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, SECO Director
The initiative supports innovative financial solutions for new impact investing products through grants and start-up funding. In addition, it improves the framework conditions for impact investing in Switzerland and promotes work to improve the quality of impact measurement.
Impact investing means making investments that, in addition to generating a financial ROI, have a measurable social and environmental impact. Impact investing is still a niche in the global and Swiss financial sector, but it has grown strongly here too in recent years. Today, Switzerland is a world leader in impact investing, with one third of all such investments managed here.
The funding gap to meet the SDGs by 2030 is estimated at more than USD 2.5 trillion per year. To close this gap, private sector investment in developing countries must increase. Public and philanthropic funds can attract such funding, which would otherwise not flow to developing countries.
Myanmar: primary health care
When the military came to power in February 2021, Switzerland stopped all its activities conducted with the authorities. It redirected all of its work towards civil society and local structures. The aim is to strengthen a system of democratic governance and to defend human rights in a context marked by the coup d'état and the coexistence of several ethnic groups.
Switzerland has focused on this approach, particularly in the area of health care. It has strengthened its partnership with ethnic organisations within the framework of the primary health care project. This project, which it has been supporting since 2014, aims to improve the health of vulnerable communities living in Kayin State.
Switzerland's long-term investment in the capacities of ethnic health organisations proved crucial during the political crisis of 2021 and the COVID-19 pandemic. It has enabled these organisations to continue offering quality health care services and to provide humanitarian aid.
With Swiss support, maternal and child health has improved in recent years. In the space of 3 years, the number of births occurring with the assistance of qualified midwives tripled. In 2020, there were more than 8,500. In addition, a vaccination programme made it possible to vaccinate over 2,500 children under the age of five in one year.
Thanks to Swiss support, the ethnic health organisations could also help draw up the National Health Plan 2017–21. They are now recognised as some of the country's leading health care service providers.
"His life was saved!" exclaimed Saw Eh Marnel jubilantly, who is from Noh Maw Pu village in the Kyerinseikkyi township of Kayin State. Her 2-month-old son Lae Pwel's upper thigh had started swelling up. Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response, he was transported to Mae Sot Hospital in neighbouring Thailand, and operated on there.
"His life was saved!" exclaimed Saw Eh Marnel jubilantly, who is from Noh Maw Pu village in the Kyerinseikkyi township of Kayin State. Her 2-month-old son Lae Pwel's upper thigh had started swelling up. Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response, he was transported to Mae Sot Hospital in neighbouring Thailand, and operated on there.
Implementation partners:
Community Partners International
Save the Children
Further information:
SDC website: Myanmar
Community Partners International
Save the Children
Further information:
SDC website: Myanmar
Mozambique: a sustainable and resilient agriculture
The highly variable climate in Mozambique has a wide-ranging influence on the amount and pattern of rainfalls. Droughts and floods are frequent in the country. The productivity in agriculture is thus strongly impacted.
The Innovation for Agribusiness (InovAgro) project supported by Switzerland in northern Mozambique helps small-scale farmers - particularly women - and value chain actors to access inputs, markets and capital for agricultural investment. This enables them to improve capacity to buy climate resilient seed varieties to better respond to the effects of changing climatic patterns that are systematically affecting agriculture outcomes, improving their productivity and incomes.
To overcome the lack of knowledge, InovAgro's seed partners organized demonstration plots and held field days in which farmers gained knowledge about products and good farming techniques.
InovAgro launched the Fundo Agricola (FA) to promote farmers' capacity to save for seeds and other agricultural services by leveraging Mozambique's existing network of village savings and loan associations. More than 19,150 small farmers benefitted from this fund.
Formal markets in rural communities are rare in northern Mozambique. The distance between home and sales points hampers farmers' participation. Working with locally based traders such as Anita (in the picture), InovAgro piloted a model of fixed and closer buying points. This reduced traders' transactions costs, facilitated farmers' sales and stimulated relationships.
Factors like social roles or lower level of education limit women's participation in markets and business. InovAgro trained 30 of the most promising female entrepreneurs in entrepreneurship and organised ‘Look and Learn’ visits to successful female-led enterprises.
Mozambique faces a fragile security and political context. Switzerland is committed to promoting peace and good governance, health and inclusive growth. In the face of the climate challenge, it is committed to resolving conflicts related to the pressure on natural resources. The InovAgro project, which promotes sustainable and more resilient agriculture, is in line with these priorities.
Better gold from South America
Switzerland promotes sustainable value chains for gold from small-scale mining. Around 90 per cent of all gold miners work in small-scale mining. The sector allows around 100 million people to earn their livelihood, mainly in developing countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Using simple methods and working under harsh and dangerous conditions, miners extract small amounts of gold – just 10 to 20 per cent of the gold mined globally.
In light of this, Switzerland has launched a public-private partnership with the main players in the Swiss gold market. This partnership, the Swiss Better Gold Initiative, enables small mines in Peru, Colombia and Bolivia to produce gold and supply it to Switzerland, which is a leader in processing and trading gold.
The initiative is based on voluntary sustainability standards such as the Fairtrade Gold Standard, the Alliance for Responsible Mining and the Responsible Jewellery Council. It helps small mines and mining cooperatives improve their technical, organisational, social and environmental conditions and thus obtain quality label certification. In addition, the initiative promotes political dialogue with the authorities in order to bring small-scale mining in line with sustainable standards.
Sofia Huasco
Member, Cooperativa San Lucas
On the other side of the value chain, buyers have committed to buying gold from certified mines, as part of the Swiss Better Gold Initiative. They pay a premium to the gold mines for their environmentally friendly production and respect for workers' rights. These premiums are used to finance social and environmental projects.
Sofia Huasco
Member, Cooperativa San Lucas
In 2021, SECO and the Swiss Better Gold Association launched the third phase of the Swiss Better Gold Initiative. The new programme phase aims to reinforce the positive impact on the ground and to initiate a process to transfer responsibility from the public sector to the private partners involved. This new phase will end in 2025.
Tackling the consequences of drought and food insecurity
In 2021, nearly 80 countries faced food insecurity, particularly in Africa and Asia. Famine-like conditions were prevalent in 43 countries, with 45 million people facing acute or catastrophic levels of food insecurity.
Factors leading to this situation included the effects of climate change. Added to this are conflict-related displacement and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.
Factors leading to this situation included the effects of climate change. Added to this are conflict-related displacement and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.
In February 2021, the World Food Programme (WFP) sounded the alarm. The UN organisation had called on the international community to mobilise more funds in view of the unprecedented need. Switzerland responded with a record amount of CHF 100 million last year.
(Picture © WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana)
(Picture © WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana)
These contributions helped support countries like Madagascar, which experienced its worst drought in 40 years. More than a million people needed emergency food assistance, while nearly half of all children aged six months to five years were chronically malnourished. Last year, Switzerland provided a total of CHF 2.4 million to support WFP operations on the island.
(Picture © WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana)
(Picture © WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana)
Switzerland also supported the International Development Association (IDA). This is the World Bank's fund for the poorest countries. IDA addresses short-term needs and supports longer-term reforms. It helps countries cope with climate shocks through the development of early warning systems or the introduction of heat-resistant crops, for example. Switzerland has contributed USD 725 million to the replenishment of IDA in 2021.
(Photos © WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana)
(Photos © WFP/Tsiory Andriantsoarana)
Benin: coaching and training to promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth
Despite an average annual economic growth of 5%, Benin's poverty rate is still very high, partly due to its rapidly growing population.
Benin's economy is underdeveloped, with the majority of the workforce employed casually in the informal sector.
Benin's economy is underdeveloped, with the majority of the workforce employed casually in the informal sector.
The lack of access to certain resources (e.g. loans, energy, technology) presents major barriers to competition, especially for women and young people.
Supported through Switzerland's ESPOIR programme, the BeniBiz and ProCIVA projects are helping to strengthen Benin's economy and to achieve sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
Supported through Switzerland's ESPOIR programme, the BeniBiz and ProCIVA projects are helping to strengthen Benin's economy and to achieve sustainable, inclusive economic growth.
Customised training and coaching are provided to help Beninese entrepreneurs develop business plans.
"Before taking part in BeniBiz, I felt totally demotivated. But now I realise I can make headway." Lucie, who has 42 years' experience as a dressmaker, designer and stylist, received support and follow-up over a three-month period, which enabled her to double her income.
"Before taking part in BeniBiz, I felt totally demotivated. But now I realise I can make headway." Lucie, who has 42 years' experience as a dressmaker, designer and stylist, received support and follow-up over a three-month period, which enabled her to double her income.
Since 2018, business advice and training delivered through the ESPOIR programme have allowed over 3,500 young entrepreneurs to increase their turnover by 90% on average.
Fifty per cent of programme participants are women. ESPOIR promotes women's leadership and has built a network of female entrepreneurs.
In 2019, Parfaite Houenagnon, who runs a business in northern Benin, received the BeniBiz Best Female Entrepreneur Award. She received support over a four-month period, which enabled her to achieve a 298% increase in sale.
In 2019, Parfaite Houenagnon, who runs a business in northern Benin, received the BeniBiz Best Female Entrepreneur Award. She received support over a four-month period, which enabled her to achieve a 298% increase in sale.
Switzerland's ESPOIR programme empowers women and young people especially by promoting an entrepreneurial culture and contributing to a strong and diversified private sector.
Joining forces to tackle air pollution and climate change
What affects over 90% of the world's population and kills an estimated 7 million people each year? The answer is not COVID-19, but air pollution – a health issue that does not recognise national borders and requires a response from all countries. But what is the best way to achieve this?
The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), which took place in Glasgow between 31 October and 13 November 2021, provided an opportunity for the international community to join forces against climate change. Switzerland took up the opportunity, reaffirming its commitment to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) at the ministerial meeting and announcing a contribution of CHF 8 million for the 2022–25 period. In making the contribution, Switzerland is advancing the ambitious goals of this multi-stakeholder initiative.
The CCAC brings together over 70 countries and 80 NGOs and IGOs to find national, regional and international solutions to climate change and air pollution. Switzerland has been a member of the CCAC since 2013 and provides expertise in air quality management.
Switzerland, represented by the SDC, co-chaired the CCAC from October 2018 to June 2021. During this period, it assisted in the development of the CCAC's 2030 Strategy, which calls on the Coalition to step up action to reduce air pollution and limit global warming to 1.5°C.
The CCAC provides a forum for specialists to share experiences and best practice and assists low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America in relation to technology. These countries are working to find the most effective means of reducing harmful emissions, for example in relation to transport, agriculture, waste and energy.
The CCAC is one of many climate and environmental initiatives supported by Switzerland which assists its partners worldwide in improving air quality and tackling climate change. Air pollution costs the global economy an estimated CHF 7.5 trillion annually. In view of this, the initiatives undertaken by the CCAC do not just protect the environment and people's health, but also help to reduce poverty.
Swiss cheese fills holes in Georgia's job market
Georgia's fertile soil is ideally suited to agriculture. However, much of the country's agricultural sector is underdeveloped. There is widespread unemployment and the agricultural training available is of poor quality.
This is where the Vocational Education and Training project comes in. Since 2020, the SDC has been supporting a partnership between Plantahof agricultural college in Landquart in the canton of Graubünden and the Swiss Agricultural College Caucasus (SASC) in Sarkineti, southern Georgia.
Plantahof has been helping the SASC to create teaching materials and design the curriculum. Experts from Switzerland have been working closely with the teachers at the SASC.
The SASC welcomed the first intake of 15 students in 2021. They will complete a two-year course of study in dairy and cheese processing, handling livestock and food safety according to Swiss standards.
The aim is to build a base of qualified specialists over the next ten years who will help to develop dairy farming in Georgia.
Independent evaluation confirms good results in Indonesia
Switzerland arranges for its projects and programmes to be evaluated on a regular basis. The aim is to learn from ongoing and completed projects and improve future activities. An independent evaluation from 2021 shows that Switzerland's work to strengthen the management of public finances in Indonesia has achieved its goals very well.
Only states with healthy public finances can offer their citizens good basic services. Indonesia, for example, has comparatively low tax revenues, accounting for less than ten per cent of GDP.
Accordingly, there is a lack of funds for investments and social spending. Such funds could be used to create better opportunities for training and vocational education that particularly young people need. These additional funds could also be used to improve primary healthcare. With them, Indonesia would also be able invest massively in its infrastructure – investment that is needed for the country to fully exploit its great potential for growth.
With the Public Finance Management Multi-Donor Trust Fund programme, evaluated in 2021, Switzerland is helping Indonesia to better manage its public finances and increase tax revenues. To this end, the programme is helping, for example, to digitalise Indonesia's tax system and to better monitor tax revenues. The programme is also supporting the country in making its budget gender-responsive.
Finally, the programme is helping the national financial control authorities to make budget expenditure more transparent.
The evaluation demonstrates that the programme is highly relevant, as the reforms it is supporting are priorities on the Indonesian government's agenda. The programme is also rated as coherent, effective and efficient. The evaluators expect it to help bring about lasting change in Indonesia's system of public finances.
Sri Mulyani
Minister of Finance Indonesia
Switzerland is mitigating the impact of COVID-19 around the world
Switzerland supported the efforts of the World Health Organisation (WHO). In Latin America, for example, Switzerland supported the WHO's pandemic preparedness and response activities. This has led to the establishment of surveillance and early warning systems in countries such as Peru, Costa Rica and Chile. Switzerland also supported the WHO's efforts to strengthen the protection of health workers and mental health programmes.
In Tunisia, Switzerland funded a project that strengthened coordination and crisis management mechanisms within regional and local health departments. It covered the regions of Jendouba, Siliana, Kasserine, Kairouan, Medenine and Tataouine. The project also supported the work of eleven associations involved with female victims of violence and marginalised people in order to address their specific needs.
The project also aimed to reduce the environmental impact of the pandemic. It promoted better management of solid and liquid waste from healthcare activities in hospitals and clinics. More than 2,500 technical and health staff have received online training in partnership with the Virtual University of Tunis. In addition, the results of wastewater analyses conducted by the University of Monastir were integrated into the Ministry of Health's health alert system. The latter could monitor the evolution of the disease and take preventive measures.
Switzerland organised a dozen deliveries of medical equipment to support the health systems of several countries, particularly in Asia. In the space of four months, it delivered several tons of respirators, oxygen concentrators, masks and other medical equipment. These were provided by the Army Pharmacy and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). Systematic checks were made to ensure that these goods were not needed to supply the Swiss population.
Switzerland also supported international financing institutions. The World Bank is the main multilateral development bank assisting the poorest countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, it has approved USD 10.4 billion for health programmes. The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank's fund for the poorest countries. In 2021, Switzerland has contributed USD 725 million to its replenishment.
Vocational training against youth unemployment in North Macedonia
One in three young people in North Macedonia is unemployed. One reason for this is the mismatch between the skills acquired in education and the requirements of the private sector. At the same time, companies have difficulty finding the qualified workers they need to remain competitive and grow.
In 2018, Switzerland launched the project Education for Employment. It supports the Ministry of Education and Science in reforming the vocational education and training system in close cooperation with the private sector so that young people can acquire the skills needed by the economy.
Now, the private sector is actively involved in the development of formal curricula for vocational education in North Macedonia. Companies offer practical trainings for dual education, enabling students to learn required skills on the job.
Following a pilot phase with 100 students in 10 classes in 2020, the dual vocational education was scaled-up nationwide in North Macedonia. In 2021, 1,384 students enrolled in 97 dual education classes and the interest continues to grow.
Young people have started to recognize dual vocational education as a prosperous career path that may help them find decent employment and income. Major companies now realize that supporting dual vocational education is an investment into the skills they need for their future workforce and business development.
Croatia: civil society's commitment to the environment and social cohesion
The cooperation programme in Croatia assists civil society in its important work of fostering social cohesion. In particular, the programme supports NGOs that encourage young people to get involved in sustainable development.
Ninety civil society organisations have implemented environmental education projects involving over 20,000 young people across Croatia and over 100 schools and local and regional authorities.
Around 800 children and young people have joined clubs and community volunteering projects. The young people involved in specific initiatives have improved their interpersonal skills and community relations.
The programme also promotes the exchange of expertise and experience between Croatia and Switzerland. In working together, organisations, local authorities and non-profit organisations from Croatia and Switzerland are helping to build capacity for all stakeholders.
For example, road safety training modules have been developed based on Swiss models. Traffic safety officers from Basel and Zurich have provided input into the development of traffic calming measures.
These inclusive processes have delivered specific results involving the whole community, such as measures to promote pedestrian safety.
The civil society programme in Croatia is funded by Switzerland's contribution to selected EU member states, which Parliament approved in 2021. By making a solidarity contribution to help reduce economic and social inequalities, Switzerland is demonstrating that it remains a reliable partner to the EU.
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Swiss International Cooperation - Annual Report 2021
